Carnation plant named Milly

ABSTRACT

A carnation plant named Milly particularly characterized by its flat flower form; semi-double flower type; medium pink flower color; diameter across face of capitulum of 40 to 55 mm at maturity; medium flowering response of 13 to 17 weeks after planting in year round flowerings; upright semi-compound spray formation; short plant height of 20 to 25 cm in a 10 cm pot with no growth regulators; bushy growth at base of plant; and recommended for pot spray carnation culture only.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofcarnation, botanically known as Dianthus caryophyllus, L. and referredto by the cultivar name Milly.

Milly was originated from a cross made by the inventor, Flavio Sapia, ina controlled breeding program in San Remo, Italy, in July 1983. Thefemale parent and the male parent of Milly were both unnamed seedlings.

Milly was discovered and selected as one flowering plant within theprogeny of the stated cross by the inventor in December 1984, in acontrolled environment in San Remo, Italy.

The first act of asexual reproduction of Milly was accomplished whenvegetative cuttings were taken by the inventor from the initialselection in March of 1985 in a controlled environment in San Remo,Italy. Horticultural examination of controlled flowerings of successiveplantings has shown that the unique combination of characteristics asherein disclosed for Milly are firmly fixed and are retained throughsuccessive generations of asexual reproduction.

Milly has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions.The phenotype may vary significantly with variations in environment suchas temperature, light intensity and daylength.

The following observations, measurements and comparisons describe plantsgrown in Salinas, Calif., under greenhouse conditions which approximatethose generally used in commercial greenhouse practice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe basic characteristics of Milly, which, in combination, distinguishthis carnation as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. Flat flower form.

2. Semi-double flower type.

3. Medium pink flower color.

4. Diameter across face of capitulum of 40 to 55 mm at maturity.

5. Medium flowering response of 13 to 17 weeks after planting in yearround flowerings.

6. Upright semi-compound spray formation.

7. Short plant height of 20 to 25 cm in a 10 cm pot with no growthregulators.

8. Bushy growth at base of plant.

9. Recommended for pot spray carnation culture only.

The accompanying color photographic drawing shows typical inflorescenceand leaf characteristics of Milly, with the colors being as nearly trueas possible with illustrations of this type. The photograph illustratesMilly grown as a pot spray carnation in a 10 cm pot.

The culture of pot spray carnations is a relatively new method ofcultivating carnations, and there are no commercial cultivars known tothe inventor which are similar in comparison to Milly.

In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart. The color values were taken Dec. 12,1987 on plant material grown in Salinas, Calif.

Classification:

Botanical.--Dianthus caryophyllus, L. cv. Milly.

Commercial.--Pot spray carnation.

INFLORESCENCE

A. Flower:

Form.--Flat.

Type.--Semi-double, up to 22 petals.

Diameter across face.--40 to 55 mm at maturity.

B. Corolla color:

General tonality from a distance of three meters.--Medium pink.

Color (upper surface).--55C to 55D, fading to 56C to 56D.

Color (i under surface).--56C to 56D.

C. Reproductive organs:

Androecium.--Typical carnation. Medium filament length, 20 to 25 mm.Anthers are degenerated, no pollen.

Gynoecium.--Typical carnation. White pistil, distal portion tinged with63B. Pistil length up to 30 mm.

PLANT

A. General appearance:

Height.--Short plant height of 20 to 25 cm in a 10 cm pot with no growthregulators.

Growth.--Bushy at base of plant.

B. Foliage: Typical carnation. Abundant at base of plant.

Color (upper surface).--Closest to 137A.

Color (under surface).--Closest to 137B to 137C.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct carnation plant named Milly, as describedand illustrated.